Sean "Diddy" Combs and Motown Records' Ethiopia Habtemariam
Gio Bandero for Combs Enterprises
As he prepares for his debut as host and executive producer of the upcoming 2022 Billboard Music Awards (May 15), Sean “Diddy” Combs— aka Love — is announcing news on another front. He is formally launching his Love Records in tandem with signing a one-time album deal with Motown Records.
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The forthcoming album will be the first project under the imprint, which will focus solely on R&B through the release of singles and collaborative projects with artists, producers and songwriters.
On marking his official return to music, Combs said in a statement, “Music has always been my first love; Love Records is the next chapter about getting back to the love and making the best music of my life. For the label, I’m focused on creating timeless R&B music with the next generation of artists and producers. Motown is the perfect partner for my album, and I’m excited to add to its legacy.”
Motown Records CEO/chairwoman Ethiopia Habtemariam stated, “This is a major moment for Motown, as Diddy is one of this century’s most important voices in music and culture. To be a part of his next evolution and album is nothing short of monumental.”
Combs serves as executive producer, curator and A&R of Love Records’ first album, due this summer. In addition, he will continue to oversee his successful label predecessor, Bad Boy Entertainment. During his 30-year career as a producer, songwriter, rapper, label executive and head of Combs Enterprises, Combs is a three-time Grammy Award winner who has collaborated with a host of hitmakers, including Mary J. Blige, The Notorious B.I.G., Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Boyz II Men, Britney Spears and Kanye West, among others.
Combs is managed by SAL&CO where he is represented by Wassim “Sal” Slaiby. Together with Slaiby, Kenneth Meiselas at Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks negotiated the deal with Motown.